Coast To Work In Style On A Commuter Bike

By Jen Hazen in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 13, 2009 5:40PM

Maybe you’re tired of feeding parking meters an entire roll of quarters at once. Or you’re sick of Chicago’s mass transit melting down every five minutes, while fares edge higher. Doesn’t sunshine and exercise sound better? Because bicycles aren’t just for kids. Sure, they’re fun. But now more than ever, biking is a convenient transportation option that saves time, money, the environment—perhaps even your sanity.

Commuter bikes (aka city bikes, urban bikes in the US) are gaining ground on Chicago streets due to their comfortable upright design and utilitarian features. Besides, they‘re simply elegant in a vintage sort of way. Unless you’re a bike messenger, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a leisurely, coasting commute to work in a suit or skirt—and a helmet, of course.

Commuter bikes come in a range of styles and prices. Dutch bikes seem to be the latest trend; however, the term “Dutch bike” in many contexts is actually a generic term. It’s simply a style of commuter that has been popular with northern Euros for years, as seen on sites like Copenhagen Cycle Chic and Amsterdamize.

For a bargain on a used commuter bike, head to Working Bikes, a non-profit volunteer organization that recovers donated and landfill-bound bikes, repairs them like new, and sells them on the cheap. Another option is the Electra Amsterdam 3-speed, which you can score at Rapid Transit. Caveat: They’re made in China. If that phrase leaves you cold and you have some cash to spend, try the Azor Opa 8-speed available at Dutch Bike Co. Chicago, built in Holland from frames made in Belgium / Holland. Needless to say, it’s important to find the bike that’s right for you, so do your research, talk to friends, and visit lots of bicycle shops before making a decision.

Still wondering if a city bike will suit your lifestyle? We spoke with co-owner of Dutch Bike Chicago, David Schmidt, for the scoop on commuter design. And we just had to ask his opinion on the future of bicycling in Chicago, too.

Chicagoist: What are the top 5 design components to look for in a commuter bike?

David Schmidt: To understand what makes a city bike different from a sport bike is to ask yourself what it is you intend to do. The first component often overlooked is what makes a bicycle comfortable. The experience of riding a bike should be, above all, based in the simplicity.

1. A relaxed geometry in the frame, allowing you to ride upright and able to breathe.

2. A comfortable saddle. We outfit our bikes with Brooks saddles, the sprung leather fits like a glove over time. Some customers love the feel of a gel saddle, so whatever fits you best make sure you spend time picking what fits you.

3. Gearing doesn't need to be complicated. The 3 or 8 speed internal hub is the ultimate solution to maintenance prone derailers. Gears are sealed and protected from the elements, there's ease of shifting while at a stop light and the ability to use a Chain Case.

4. Having internal hubs provides a chain that isn't required to travel, allowing you to enclose it in a chain case. The chain is totally sealed and will not rub on your pant leg and attract dirt and grease. Along with fenders, mud flaps and jacket guards, the ultimate city bike should allow you to ride in your suit over muddy roads.

5. Dynamo lighting systems—power your own headlamp and tail lamp with a hub dynamo. They have grown up considerably since you last had one. Very little resistance and very bright LED or Halogen lights make evening riding a pleasure.

C: There’s a quote on Copenhagenize that says “Forty years ago Copenhagen was just as car-clogged as anywhere else, but now 36% of the population choose the bicycle.” Do you think this could be Chicago some day?

DS: Chicago as a major American city is very far advanced with regards to accepting bicycles as a mainstream option to transportation. It’s important to realize a city the size of Chicago has more initial obstacles to cycling than a small college town, or many mid-sized cities, but the potential to introduce a far greater population to bikes makes all the difference in gaining the momentum to normalize cycling. Dutch Bike Co. felt compelled to come to Chicago because there is an inherent openness in the Midwest to building community, not just a “cycling” community. If there is indeed a true intention of getting 36% of Chicagoans on bicycles, we need to stop thinking that one needs to be a “cyclist” to simply ride a bike.